Leak Returns to Maryland with Renewed Confidence and Energy

Maryland Athletics

4-9-2014

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Wide receiver Marcus Leak has quietly made an impression on Maryland’s coaching staff. With a newfound appreciation and love for the game, Leak has been a consistent target this spring, recording numerous receptions and establishing himself as a reliable target for quarterback C.J. Brown.

“Marcus has done a great job since coming back here,” head coach Randy Edsall said. “You definitely see a more mature young man both on and off the field. If he continues to keep working hard and doing the things he’s supposed to, he is going to be fine.”

Leak missed the 2013 season after taking a leave of absence from the university, but reenrolled in classes this winter with a new appreciation for the game, the support staff and the university. While on leave, Leak took the opportunity to continue working on his game while strengthening his bond with head coach Randy Edsall. The two spoke multiple times a week leading to an even stronger connection between the two since Leak’s return.

“Coach has really helped me keep my head together. He really helped keep my spirits and motivation up,” Leak said. “You can’t be productive as a team if you have a coach that people don’t want to play for, but that’s not the case, Coach Edsall does a great job talking to all of his players.“

Through seven games during the 2012 season, Leak was second on the team in receptions with 23 for 393 yards. He added two touchdown receptions as well as some special teams work before missing the final five games due to injury.

Leak’s return has added even more depth and skill to the already talented wide receiving corps. The unit has also seen fellow receivers Stefon Diggs and Deon Long return to practice after injuries cut their 2013 season short.

“As a team, we’ve made a lot of progress this spring,” Leak said. “We are just trying to go hard everyday, and push each other to the limit. It’s exciting to be back.”

Leak and his teammates will have the chance to showcase their talents in front of the Maryland faithful at the annual Red-White spring game this Friday at 7 p.m. at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. Admission is free for all fans and will include a postgame autograph signing and firework show.